More than 1,300 new housing units are coming to Edmonton after the city approved the development of 10 surplus school properties, marking a significant step forward in addressing the city's affordable housing needs.
Major Housing Initiative Gets Green Light
The ambitious project, announced on Monday, November 24, 2025, will see 925 affordable housing units created across the city. Edmonton sold 10 surplus school sites to developers for just one dollar each, making this transformative housing initiative possible through strategic partnerships.
Mayor Andrew Knack joined Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon at city hall to announce the Welcome Homes initiative, which included popular doormats that quickly went out of stock due to high public demand.
Federal Funding Makes Projects Possible
The land sales were facilitated by a substantial $99-million grant from the federal Housing Acceleration Fund. This significant investment enables the development of properties that have been unused since the city acquired them in 2009.
"This work started long before this last election — it started about a decade ago," Mayor Knack explained during the noon announcement. "While this won't solve every problem, it's going to make a huge dent in affordable housing needs across Edmonton and it's going to give people a chance to live in more communities across Edmonton."
Diverse Housing Options Across Neighborhoods
The new developments will be located in ten communities: Belmont, Blue Quill, Caernarvon, Dunluce, Kiniski Gardens, La Perle, Lymburn, Miller, Overlanders and Summerlea. Rental rates for affordable units will be capped at 80 percent of average market rates, based on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's annual market rental report.
Each development offers unique features tailored to community needs. In Dunluce, Vivid Homes in partnership with IslamicFamily is creating a 96-unit project focused on multi-generational housing with a community playground.
"We want families to live together because of the cost of living and rent. So we would have grandparents and young couples living together," said Issam Saleh, Vivid Homes director. "We're hoping that larger families can greatly benefit from this project. We noticed many developers are focused on one bedroom and two bedrooms, not too many people are focusing on the three and four bedrooms."
Specialized Support for Vulnerable Populations
The Miller location will feature a particularly important development: WIN House is creating a 64-unit space for women and non-binary individuals and their families escaping violence. This facility will provide not only second and third-stage housing but also access to essential services to help residents rebuild their lives.
WIN House CEO Leslie Allen emphasized that the development will help relieve pressure on emergency shelters, which frequently serve people fleeing domestic violence situations. The units will be available in one, two, and three-bedroom configurations to accommodate different family sizes.
Mayor Knack concluded with an important message for Edmonton residents: "No matter what type of affordable housing you need, there's going to be options for you in this city." This comprehensive approach to affordable housing demonstrates the city's commitment to creating diverse living options for all residents.
